Research Approaches

Each discipline has a different approach to conducting and writing up research.   A short essay for a WIFYS class, for example, is structured differently than a longer paper reporting the results of a sociological survey.  This guide will explain the differences among several of these styles. 

1.  Based on evidence, often obtained by statistical analysis

2.  This type of research primarily deals with people

• Large groups - e.g., survey research
  
• Small groups - e.g., focus group
  
• Single person - e.g., interview
  

3.  Majors/Disciplines

• Sociology
• Social Work
  
• Human Communication
  
• Communication/Journalism
  
• Education
  
• Criminal Justice
  

4. These disciplines sometimes require social science research

• Exercise Science
  
• Psychology
  
• GeoEnvironmental
  
• Political Science
  

Characteristics of an Empirical Research Article from a Scholarly Journal

1. Often the Abstract will say "In this study" then describes 1 or 2 studies done by the author(s)
2. Discusses data which the authors have collected themselves
3. Typically includes sections with the titles:
   1. Abstract
   2. (Introduction)  APA does not require the use of the title Introduction.
   3. Method/ Literature Review
   4. Participants
   5. Measures
   6. Procedures
   7. Results
   8. Discussion
   9. Reference List at the end of the article

Tips for Reading a Research Article

1. Read and Understand the Abstract [This is the author's one paragraph summary of the article]
2. Read and Understand the Discussion [The Discussion begins with the author summarizing findings.  Then moves on to telling why you should care about this study]
3. Now start back at the beginning and work through the article.  Think about each section before you go to the next.

Tips for Searching for Scholarly Articles

1. Choose the limiter "Scholarly Articles" or "Peer-Reviewed Articles."
2. Add the word "study" as a second term to your search.

Research in the humanities differs in a number of important ways from standard social science or natural science research.

1. Central Focus of Research: The central focus of research is on the analysis of textual, archival, and historical-cultural materials and events, people and organizations, rather than design and implementation of a research study.
    
2. Research Article Structure: The format of a social science research article is usually quite clear, including sections on Literature Review, Methods, Data, and Interpretation. In humanities scholarship, the format is much less important. Key factors include in-depth interaction with primary and secondary source materials - often taking place both in the text and footnotes.
    
3. Primary and Secondary Sources: In humanities, both books and journal articles are key formats for secondary sources. Primary sources consist of a wide range of historical-cultural materials created by the key subjects of the research study, or which are contemporary evidence related to the key subjects.
    
4. Comprehensive Research Databases: Humanities databases usually include these multiple secondary source formats. In more general periodical databases, such as Academic Search Complete, limiting searches to "academic journals" is a good starting point for finding humanities research articles.
    
5. Is this a Research Article?: Length of articles (10+ pages is a good indicator) and amount and complexity of footnotes/endnotes are good signs of whether or not a source is a good humanities research source. Article and books should include regular use of both primary and secondary source material throughout.
    
6. Value of Older Materials: Studies typically retain their value more, over time, than social science studies. As a rule of thumb, if a book or research article was published in the last 25 years or so, it may well still have value as a research source. Of course, currency is also important, so, whenever possible, earlier studies need to be supplemented by more recent ones.

Multi-disciplinary

Art

History

Human Communications

Literature

Music

Philosophy

Religion

• An Essay or Speech begins with a thesis.   The purpose of the paper/speech may be to inform the audience, to prove or disprove a point, or to persuade the audience.

• You then present evidence which explains or supports the thesis. 

• The thesis is usually written in the form of a statement.  The most important requirement for a good thesis is that you can search for and find supportive evidence, usually in Library databases.

• Evidence takes the form of information from articles or books which backup your point.  Since you are using evidence from other authors, you need to tell your audience about your sources by quoting and or citing them in a Works Cited list. 

Speech Preparation Outline Format (used by Prof. Leitner HCS100)

This format may also be used for a paper or essay.

INTRODUCTION

1. Attention getting statement which introduces the importance of the topic you will be discussing.
2. Statement of Orientation - Clearly state your thesis/topic.

TRANSITION - Give a brief overview of your purpose and of the main points you will be presenting. Later Transitions between points usually consist of a review of the previous point and a preview of the next point.

BODY - Depending on the length of your paper/speech you could have from three to five main points. Each Main Point could also have Sub Points.

1. Main Point
   • Evidence or developmental material 
   • Transition
2. Main Point
   • Evidence or developmental material
   • Transition
3. Main Point
   • Evidence or developmental material
   • Transition

CONCLUSION

1. Summary of Main Points - a short restatement of your thesis and your Main Points
2. Closing Statement - This is often a quote from a source which agrees with or sums up your ideas

WORKS CITED - list of works cited as evidence.  WIFYS (ENG106) requires MLA citation format, whereas Human Communication (HCS100) requires APA citation format

1. Begin by deciding on a potential thesis statement. 
2. Find articles or books in Library databases which will help you to decide if there is enough evidence available to actually support your thesis.
3. Finalize your thesis
4. Find as many articles, books, etc. as you can which seem to support your topic.
5. Read through evidence, taking notes.
6. Arrange your notes in a logical format as Main Points and Sub Points supporting your thesis.
7. Create a detailed outline of the Body (Main Points). 
8. If you are working on an essay use your outline to write out the Body of your essay.
9. Work on the Introduction and Conclusion after you have written/outlined the Body.
10. Create a Works Cited page
11. Throughout the process, it is a good idea to have a friend, professor, or tutor give you feedback about your work.